We
go to the temple, worship Baba, organize jagran of Maa,
visit Ganesh temple, Hanuman temple, Shiv temple, offer
dakshina to priests, employ remedies against the evil-eye
like keeping lime and green chilly, yet, we do not find
happiness. Happiness does not come from these. We get
emotionally affected by the laughter, anger and talk of
others. Until the time we can control our mind, none of
the above would be of any use. Visiting temples, music,
mantra, worship etc may help only if we can keep our minds
in check. Happiness depends not on external conditions
but on intrinsic, internal factors.

The external situation
creates a reflection in the mind. Why look for weaknesses
in others? Why not identify the weaknesses within ourselves?
We will not be able to evolve if we keep pointing out
the flaws in others and keep getting affected by their
actions. Instead of reacting to what someone said and
thinking negative thoughts, we should reflect on our own
drawbacks and weaknesses. Control your mind and you will
gradually identify the weaknesses in yourself. Till we
do this, no saint, no God, no deity, nor any elder member
of the family can give us happiness.

A child born in a
poor man’s house starves for food. Throughout his
life this child grows by suffering and enduring hardship.
We have never faced the kind of disrespect that a poor
man’s child has to face, because we have food to
eat, a car at our doorstep, a bank balance for our financial
security. All these have been given to us by our father
and forefathers. What is our contribution? If despite
having received so much we still remain unhappy, then
we are ungrateful to God.

Remember that we have
not received so much because of our merits but due to
the merits and hard work of our parents. Each generation
inherits the best of earlier generations. Be grateful
to them and reflect on what you are contributing and how
you can be sensitive to the needs of others.

Why do people worship
Baba and all the other saints? Their human form has gone,
but they are still remembered and worshipped. They are
not worshipped because they had earned a lot of money.
Not also because they belonged to the so called intellectual
class or because they have performed miracles. They are
worshipped because they were sensitive to the problems
of others and felt compassion for them. Most people are
extremely conscious of their own sentiments, their own
sensitivities but are insensitive to the sensitivities
of others. Let us try to be sensitive to the needs of
others and behave accordingly. Let us stop unnecessary
ritualism and use our God given advantages to reach out
to the poor, needy and weaker sections of society and
try to relieve their suffering.

We might have read
the Sai Satcharitra ten times, read other books, heard
sermons from priests so many times, but what is the use
of just reading them? Read books, but not superficially.
Do not pretend to imbibe bhakti. Going to the temple,
all decked up, does not express devotion. Baba had advised
Dasganu not to do that. Be natural - the more natural
you are, the better. Exhibition of religious fervour is
just physical acrobatics. We don’t need acrobatics.
We need finer sense to prevail on us to understand the
problems of others. We should start from our own home
because our home is our ‘peeth’. If we are
not sensitive to the needs of those in our homes, for
whatever reasons, then there will be no saviour for us.
Every man is humbled with old age and sees the world in
a new way, the way in which he has not seen it during
his youth. If this balance has to come as time will make
it happen, then why not accept it to the extent possible
now and live our lives accordingly?

Guru shakti and Guru
sahitya guide us in not taking the difficult path in our
quest to evolve. The Guru teaches us through his own experiences,
so one will not have to suffer in his path. Let us not
condition our mind through whatever we read, see and hear
superficially. Read the Sai Satcharitra regularly and
concentrate on the divine attributes of Baba and meditate
on His form. Let us pray the Master to give us the correct
emotional and mental capabilities to enable us to understand
Him and walk on the path shown by Him.

You may have given many different gifts to your
friends and loved ones, but giving a subscription
of "Heritage of Shirdi Sai" magazine would be a
unique gift as it connects the people you love with
SADGURU SHIRDI SAI and brings His blessings with
the gift.

Topic of Discussion feature is
intended to initiate useful discussions on topics
related to Shirdi Sai Philosophy and His teachings,
Guru Tradition, Teachings of the Sadguru,
the nature and functions of the Perfect Masters,
true devotion, qualification of a disciple, etc.

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